Dentists vs at home kits for tooth whitening

At one time, if one wanted to have one's teeth whitened, the only options available were to either go to the dentist to see what magic he or she could accomplish, or try a DIY home remedy that had the potential for disastrous consequences. Now, of course, this is no longer the case, as there has been a veritable explosion of products available in drugstores aisles related to tooth whitening. Everything - from whitening strips to special rinses and toothpastes - is considered a standard part of the tooth whitening arsenal. Yet how well do these OTC products work, and is it better to simply head to the dentist?

Certainly, going to the dentist has some advantages, the main ones being certainty of outcome relative to OTC products. Not only can the dentist tell you exactly what you can expect and explain any potential side effects, but he can also tailor the procedure according to your needs, i.e. if you want your teeth drastically whiter or just a few shades lighter, etc. The dentist can also show you what your teeth will look like afterwards, and can do whatever dental procedures are necessary beforehand to assure a smooth process. For example, one should start out with the cleanest teeth possible, and so a thorough teeth cleaning would be beneficial before beginning a whitening process.

The dentist's office can also be beneficial in terms of the procedures offered. One option is that of laser whitening, which is quick and can be done in one visit. Another common option is that of a tray-based system, in which impressions of one's teeth are taken so that a custom-fitting mouth tray can be made. These trays are effective in that they conform to one's teeth exactly, and so the gel that one uses with them doesn't leak out via gaps that can be found in more generic trays.

But how about home whitening kits? Do they have a place? Yes, if you're just looking for a bit of brightening to your teeth and are willing to be patient. The concentration of active ingredients in the gels or other OTC products is less than that which you would receive from your dentist, and so the entire process can take much longer. Some people run out patience with the need to put strips or similar items on their teeth every night, and then sleep with that in place. This may lead them to abandon the process before optimal results are achieved. Yet these at home kits can in fact be effective, given enough time.

The bottom line is that each consumer must decide if he has a need for instant gratification, i.e. instant white teeth, or if he has the patience necessary to use a more lengthy procedure. This can then dictate whether one chooses a dentist or an at-home kit, while striving to attach that perfect white smile.

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